Against all odds Meaning in English

expression

US

əˈɡeɪnst/, /əˈɡɛnst/ /ˈɔɫ/ /ˈɑdz

uh-GAYNST AWL AHDZ

UK

ɐɡˈɛnst/ /ˈɔːl/ /ˈɒdz

uh-GENST AWL ODZ

Definition

If something happens against all odds, it succeeds or takes place even though it seemed impossible or very unlikely.

Usage & Nuances

This idiom is commonly used in inspiring or dramatic stories and news. It’s often paired with verbs like 'succeed', 'win', 'survive', or 'make it'. Used positively, usually for people, teams, or projects that surpass expectations.

• Spanish: contra todo pronóstico - contra todas las probabilidades
• Portuguese (BR): contra todas as probabilidades
• Portuguese (PT): contra todas as probabilidades
• Chinese (Simplified): 克服重重困难 - 尽管机会渺茫
• Chinese (Traditional): 克服重重困難 - 儘管機會渺茫
• Hindi: सारी बाधाओं के बावजूद - विपरीत परिस्थितियों में
• Arabic: ضد كل الصعاب - بالرغم من كل العقبات
• Bengali: সব বাধা অতিক্রম করে - অসম্ভবকে সম্ভব করে
• Russian: вопреки всему - несмотря ни на что
• Japanese: あらゆる逆境を乗り越えて
• Vietnamese: vượt qua mọi khó khăn - bất chấp mọi khó khăn
• Korean: 모든 역경을 딛고 - 모든 어려움을 이겨내고
• Turkish: tüm zorluklara rağmen - her şeye rağmen
• Urdu: تمام تر رکاوٹوں کے باوجود
• Indonesian: melawan segala rintangan - menentang segala kemungkinan

Example Sentences

She finished the race against all odds.

basic

Against all odds, the small company survived the crisis.

basic

He won the match against all odds.

basic

They built their dream house against all odds when everyone said it was impossible.

natural

The team made it to the finals against all odds, surprising everyone.

natural

Against all odds, she recovered and went back to work within a month.

natural